IWSG Wednesday AND Did You Know

 

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

 

 The awesome co-hosts for the June 5 posting of the IWSG are Liza at Middle Passages, Shannon Lawrence, Melissa Maygrove, and Olga Godim!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional

June 5 question - In this constantly evolving industry, what kind of offering/service do you think the IWSG should consider offering to members?

I’m going to be really embarrassed if this is a service we offer that I’m not aware, but I think a crit group would be extremely helpful to all members.

AND

May/June Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

HOW TO MURDER A DUKE by Sherri Hollister

This is Book 2 in the YA Applegate Series.

I found the first book to be entertaining and the same held true for the second. It did a great job of holding my interest. I zipped through it. 

Winnie is once again having adventures and solving mysteries. This time in her grandfather’s ancestral home in England. Being a bit of a free spirit from living and working in the circus, she doesn’t fit into the stifling confines of a duke’s ancestral home. But that doesn’t stop her from trying to save the current duke who is very sick and may be dying, AND find out who is killing off the dukes of Applegate before it’s too late.

That the author has thoroughly researched the era, including the medicine and holistic remedies of the time add another layer to the richness of the story.

If you’re a historical, suspense YA fan or just want to escape for a few hours in a good tale, I can highly recommend this book.  Enjoy.

Available at  Amazon

 

DRURY LANE DARLING by Joan Smith

Another fun romp.  It's always good to pick up a Joan Smith Regency if you are looking for a mood lightener.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros

All I can say is OMG. This book is 498 pages. I got it one day and finished it the next.  It’s a new adult fantasy about a young woman who has studied to be a scribe all her life but her militant mother has different plans for her and tosses her into the brutal academy of dragon riders.

This is definitely an addictive story and will have you reading way past bedtime. Highly recommended.

IRON FLAME by Rebecca Yarros

Violet and most of her friends have survived the first year, but worse is coming and to survive the enemy they will need to team up with the gyron riders. While all this is happening tension between Violet and Xaden mount as she discovers his secret. A secret that threatens their relationship.

Thanks to Jacquie Biggar for turning me on to this series.

Available at Amazon

 

THE CONTRACT: Between Heaven and Earth by John Howell and Gwen Plano

Two angels are sent back to earth in human form to prevent an international war.

This romantic thriller will keep you wondering what’s going to happen next as the two protagonists Brad and Sarah join forces to save the world. The two angels have had their memories wiped but can’t help feeling they’ve known each other in another life as attraction between them burn bright while they race to save their country and the world.

A fascinating tale for readers of thrillers and romance alike.

Available at Amazon

 

MOM’S MEMORIES AND REFLECTIONS ON MOTHERHOOD by J.Q. Rose

This is a sweet memoir journal for every mother and/or grandmother, with a spot to write down or draw those special once in a lifetime memories.  There’s a spot for all aspects of childhood from the early years to adolescents.  There’s even a spot for your reflections and to leave letters to your children and grands. A perfect gift for the mom in your life.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

POETRY TREASURERS 4: IN TOUCH WITH NATURE ANTHOLOGY compiled and edited by Kaye Lynne Booth and Robbie Cheadle

This collection of poetry is indeed a treasure. It is a compilation of verse concentrating on nature in word and picture provided by a different writer each chapter month. For instance:  June guest D. L. Finn touches on the seasons in Spring Moment ‘perfect nature hiking’, in Silver Beams ‘full autumn moon’,  in Hope ‘under gloomy snow’, etc. 

April guest Marcia Meara mentions ‘The ink-blotted sky’ in Star Gazing. And in The Bridge Home September Guest Selma Martin talks about ‘a purple path-like a ribbon fallen from the sky.’

These are just a sampling. There’s much, much more to enjoy, especially by readers that love nature.

Available at Amazon

 

 

GIDEON’S SWORD by Preston and Child

These two magician/authors do it again.

It goes without saying this book is well written, but I am stunned by the way that up until the very end, every time the end goal is in sight for our protagonist, the authors throw another road block up. I was stunned at their audaciousness.  Near the end of the book, the last three times the hero has nearly reached his objective, the authors would pull another rabbit out of their collective hat and keep it dangling just out of reach.  *Spoiler alert Gideon does complete his mission, but what a ride getting there.

GIDEON’S CORPSE by Preston and Child

Gideon Crew is given ten days to save the world when he’s charged with tracking down a terrorist cell and a nuclear bomb.

This tale grabs the reader’s attention from the first paragraph and doesn’t let go till the end. Hold onto your hat because this story is a wild ride.

LOST ISLAND by Preston and Child

This is the third book in the Gidgeon Crew series. Each one just keeps getting more intriguing. The story-line will surprise.

Available at Amazon

 

AND 

 

Did you know, June 19th is National Writing Day?

 

For More information: National Writing Day 2024 | National Literacy Trust | National Literacy Trust